Drogba makes things different

The Blues will welcome back Drogba for the Barclays Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge after he missed the 2-0 victory over Marseille in midweek through suspension. Ancelotti is likely to drop Gael Kakuta to make room for Drogba, who will feature in a three-pronged attack alongside Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda.

"The team is a little bit different when Didier plays because we can use his power and ability in the box," said the Chelsea manager. "There's a different kind of movement in front. It's better that Drogba is in the game but we can also play without him."

Ancelotti himself will attend the showdown at Stamford Bridge despite the death of his father Giuseppe.

Giuseppe passed away in Italy on Wednesday aged 87 with Carlo at his side.

The funeral will take place on Saturday but the Blues boss plans to be at Stamford Bridge for his side's game 24 hours later.

"Everyone at Chelsea sends our deepest condolences to Carlo and his family. They are all in our thoughts at this time," read a statement on the club's official website, www.chelseafc.com.

Chelsea lost their last Premier League outing, a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, so skipper John Terry was pleased with the early chance to put things right against Marseille.

"The only good thing about playing regularly is if you suffer a defeat you only have two or three days, not a whole week, to think about it and dwell on the result," he said.

"It's important to get out there and show the fans the way we can play. Now it's important that we get back to winning ways in the League. Arsenal is obviously a big game."